Auto Brake Parts | NAPA & GM | Brake Pads, Rotors & Calipers

Brake parts are essential components of any vehicle’‘s braking system. They work together to ensure that the car can stop safely and efficiently. From brake pads to rotors, calipers, and drums, each part plays a crucial role in the overall function of the brakes. Understanding how these parts work and knowing when it’‘s time for replacement is important for any driver.

The brake pads are perhaps the most well-known component of the brake system. They are responsible for creating friction against the rotor, which slows down or stops the vehicle. Brake pads come in different materials such as ceramic, metallic, or organic, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Another important part of the braking system is the Brake Discs or rotor . The rotor is a flat disc that rotates with the wheel hub assembly. When pressure is applied to the brake pedal, it causes friction between the brake pad and rotor surface resulting in stopping power.

Brake Calipers are another essential component of a vehicle’‘s braking system. These clamp onto either side of the rotor when you press on your brakes; this action creates enough force to slow down or stop your car.

Drums are also used in some vehicles instead of rotors. Drums have shoes inside them that push against their inner surface when you apply your brakes.

It’‘s important to note that all these parts should be regularly inspected by a professional mechanic to ensure they’‘re working correctly and replaced if necessary.

A Brief History of Brake Development and Innovation

The Evolution of Brake Development and Innovation

Early Brakes: From Wooden Blocks to Leather Pads

Brakes have been around since the first wheeled vehicles were invented. The earliest brakes were simple wooden blocks that were pressed against the wheels to slow them down. Later, leather pads replaced the wooden blocks, and these pads were pressed against the wheel rims by a lever or pedal.

Hydraulic Brakes: More Control and Power

In 1918, Malcolm Lougheed (later known as Lockheed) introduced hydraulic brakes. These brakes used fluid pressure to transfer force from the brake pedal to the brake shoes or pads. Hydraulic brakes provided more control and power than mechanical brakes, which relied on cables or rods.

Disc Brakes: Better Heat Dissipation and Stopping Power

Invented in England in the 1890s, disc brakes did not become popular until the 1950s when Jaguar began using them in their sports cars. Disc brakes offer better heat dissipation and stopping power than drum brakes because they have a larger surface area for friction. They also weigh less than drum brakes.

Anti-Lock Braking Systems (ABS): Preventing Skids

First developed for aircraft in the 1920s, anti-lock braking systems (ABS) became available for cars in the late 1960s. ABS uses sensors to detect when a wheel is about to lock up during hard braking and then releases and reapplies pressure rapidly to prevent skidding.

Electronic Stability Control (ESC): Keeping Cars on Track

Electronic stability control (ESC), also known as electronic stability program (ESP), was developed in Germany by Bosch in 1983 but didn’‘t become widely available until years later. ESC uses sensors to detect when a car is about to lose traction or slip out of control, then applies individual wheel braking and throttle adjustments to keep it on track.

Regenerative Braking: Capturing Energy

Regenerative braking technology was first used in electric trains in the early 1900s, but it wasn’‘t until the late 1990s that it became available for cars. Regenerative braking captures energy from the wheels during braking and converts it into electricity to recharge the battery. This technology is now commonly used in hybrid and electric vehicles.

Future of Brakes: Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is a relatively new technology that uses sensors to detect when a collision with another vehicle or object is imminent and then applies the brakes automatically if the driver does not respond quickly enough. AEB has been shown to reduce rear-end collisions by up to 40%.

Understanding Brake Parts: An Introduction

Different Types of Brake Parts

Brake parts are essential components in any vehicle, and they play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of drivers and passengers. There are various types of brake parts available in the market, each with its unique features and functions. Understanding these different types can help you make informed decisions when it comes to maintaining or upgrading your vehicle’‘s braking system.

1. Brake Pads

Brake pads are one of the most common types of brake parts used in vehicles today. They are designed to create friction against the rotor when the brakes are applied, which slows down or stops the vehicle. Most brake pads consist of a metal backing plate with a layer of friction material attached to it. The friction material is usually made from materials such as ceramic, organic compounds, or metallic compounds.

2. Brake Discs / Brake Rotors

Brake rotors, also known as discs, work together with brake pads to slow down or stop a vehicle by creating friction. When you press on the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the brake pads against the rotors, causing them to slow down or stop spinning altogether. Most rotors are made from cast iron or steel and come in various shapes and sizes depending on their application.

3. Brake Calipers

Brake calipers house the brake pads and apply pressure to them when you press on the brake pedal. They are typically mounted over the rotor and contain pistons that push against the backside of each pad when activated by hydraulic pressure from your foot on the pedal.

4. Brake Lines

Brake lines connect various components within your braking system and transport hydraulic fluid between them. They come in different materials such as rubber or stainless steel braided hoses.

5. Master Cylinder

The master cylinder is responsible for generating hydraulic pressure that activates your brakes’‘ other components when you press on the pedal.

6. Wheel Cylinders

Wheel cylinders work together with drum brakes (a type not discussed in this post) and are responsible for applying pressure to the brake shoes, which then press against the drum to slow down or stop your vehicle.

7. Brake Shoes

Brake shoes are used in drum brakes and work together with wheel cylinders to slow down or stop your vehicle by creating friction against the inside of a drum.

Request for all your brake items here
Shop online and obtain brake item for all vehicle makes. Brake Pad Front Golf / Jetta MK7 GTI
Ford Ranger
ATE Brake Pads
Opel Astra
Ford Fiesta / Figo
Mercedes
ATE Brake Shoes
ATE Brake Discs
Brake Pipe
Brake Fluid
Brake Pad Amarok
Brake Pad Polo
Brake Pad Audi

Brake Pads

What Are Brake Pads?

Brake pads are an essential component of your car’‘s braking system. They are the replaceable friction pads that press against a vehicle’‘s brake rotor, creating friction and slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Most cars have two brake pads per caliper, with each pad on opposite sides of the rotor.

Types of Brake Pads

There are three main types of brake pads: ceramic, metallic, and organic. Ceramic brake pads are made from a mix of ceramic fibers, nonferrous filler materials, bonding agents, and sometimes small amounts of metal. Metallic brake pads contain iron, copper, steel wool or wire, and other metals in various quantities. Organic brake pads contain materials like rubber, glass or Kevlar fibers bonded with resin.

Ceramic vs Metallic vs Organic Brake Pads

Ceramic brake pads offer quieter operation than metallic ones because they generate less dust as they wear down. They also produce less wear on rotors than metallic options. However, they tend to be more expensive than their counterparts.

Metallic brake pads are known for their durability and heat resistance which makes them ideal for high-performance vehicles that need to stop quickly at high speeds. They also tend to be cheaper than ceramic options but can create more noise while braking.

Organic brake pads provide a softer feel when braking compared to ceramic or metallic options but may not last as long due to their softer material composition.

When Should You Replace Your Brake Pads?

It is important to regularly inspect your car’‘s brakes and replace worn-out components before they cause damage or fail completely. Generally speaking, you should replace your brake pads every 50-70k miles depending on driving conditions and habits.

Signs that it is time to replace your brake pads include squeaking or grinding noises while braking; reduced responsiveness in the pedal; vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal; and a longer stopping distance than usual.

Brake Pad Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your brake pads can help extend their lifespan. One way to do this is by avoiding sudden stops or hard braking whenever possible. This can cause excessive wear on the pads and rotors, reducing their effectiveness over time.

Regularly cleaning your brakes with a specialized cleaner can also help remove built-up dust and debris that can cause premature wear. Having your brakes inspected by a professional mechanic at least once a year can catch any potential issues before they become major problems.

Brake Rotors

Types of Brake Rotors

There are two types of brake rotors: drilled and slotted. Drilled rotors have holes drilled into them to allow for heat dissipation, while slotted rotors have slots cut into them to help with heat dissipation and water dispersion. Both types of rotors can provide better performance than standard solid rotors, but they also come with their own set of drawbacks.

Drilled Rotors

Drilled rotors are popular among car enthusiasts because they look cool and can provide better performance in certain situations. The holes in the rotor allow for heat to escape more easily, which can prevent brake fade during hard use. However, there are some downsides to using drilled rotors. First, the holes weaken the rotor and make it more prone to cracking under heavy use. Second, the holes can cause uneven wear on brake pads, which can lead to reduced braking performance over time.

Slotted Rotors

Slotted rotors are another popular choice for high-performance driving because they offer many benefits over solid or drilled rotors. The slots in the rotor help to dissipate heat more effectively than a solid rotor would, which reduces the risk of brake fade during hard use. The slots help to remove water from the surface of the rotor when driving in wet conditions, which improves braking performance and reduces the risk of hydroplaning.

Choosing Between Drilled and Slotted Rotors

When choosing between drilled and slotted rotors for your vehicle, you should consider your driving style and needs. If you frequently engage in high-performance driving or track days, then drilled or slotted rotors may be a good choice for you. However, if you primarily drive on city streets or highways and don’‘t put your brakes under heavy stress often, then standard solid rotors may be sufficient.

Rotor Materials

Brake rotors can be made from a variety of materials, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The most common materials used for brake rotors are cast iron, carbon ceramic, and stainless steel.

Cast Iron Rotors

Cast iron is the most common material used for brake rotors because it’‘s relatively inexpensive and provides good stopping power. Cast iron rotors are also durable and can last for many thousands of miles before needing to be replaced. However, they’‘re also heavy and can contribute to unsprung weight, which can negatively impact handling.

Carbon Ceramic Rotors

Carbon ceramic rotors are made from a composite material that includes carbon fiber and ceramic particles. They’‘re much lighter than cast iron rotors, which reduces unsprung weight and improves handling. They offer excellent braking performance in high-temperature situations like track days or racing events. However, they’‘re also very expensive compared to other types of rotors.

Stainless Steel Rotors

Stainless steel rotors are another option for high-performance driving because they offer excellent heat dissipation properties. They’‘re also lightweight and durable, making them a popular choice among car enthusiasts. However, they’‘re not as widely available as cast iron or carbon ceramic rotors, which can make them harder to find.

Brake Calipers

Fixed Calipers

Fixed calipers are the most common type of brake caliper. They are called fixed because they don’‘t move when the brakes are applied. Fixed calipers have pistons on both sides of the rotor, which means they apply pressure evenly and quickly. This results in better stopping power and less brake fade.

Floating Calipers

Floating calipers have only one piston that applies pressure to one side of the rotor. The other side of the caliper is mounted on a pin or bushing and moves when the brakes are applied. Floating calipers are simpler and cheaper than fixed calipers, but they don’‘t provide as much stopping power.

Sliding Calipers

Sliding calipers work like floating calipers, but instead of being mounted on a pin or bushing, they slide back and forth on guide pins. Sliding calipers provide more even pressure than floating calipers, but they can be more difficult to service.

Brake Caliper Materials

Cast Iron

Most brake rotors and many brake calipers are made from cast iron. Cast iron is cheap, durable, and provides good heat dissipation.

Aluminum

Some high-performance cars use aluminum brake calipers because they are lighter than cast iron and provide better heat dissipation. Aluminum also looks better than cast iron, so it’‘s often used for cosmetic reasons as well.

Carbon Ceramic

Carbon ceramic brakes are used in some high-end sports cars because they provide excellent stopping power while weighing less than traditional brakes. Carbon ceramic brakes also last longer than traditional brakes and don’‘t produce as much dust.

Brake Caliper Maintenance

Brake Fluid Changes

Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which can cause corrosion inside your brake system. Corrosion can damage your brake lines, master cylinder, wheel cylinders, and ABS pump. To prevent this from happening, you should change your brake fluid every two years.

Brake Pad Changes

Brake pads wear out over time and need to be replaced. If you don’‘t replace your brake pads when they’‘re worn, they can damage your rotors and calipers. You should have your brake pads inspected every 10,000 miles or so and replace them when they’‘re worn.

Caliper Service

Calipers can become stuck or corroded over time, which can cause uneven braking and premature wear on your brake pads. To prevent this from happening, you should have your calipers serviced every 50,000 miles or so. A caliper service involves removing the caliper from the rotor, cleaning it, lubricating it, and replacing any damaged parts.

Brake Fluid

Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that is used in the braking system of vehicles. It plays a crucial role in transferring force from the brake pedal to the brake pads or shoes, which then applies pressure to the rotors or drums, ultimately slowing down or stopping the vehicle. Brake fluid is typically made up of glycol ethers and borate esters, with some formulations containing silicone-based fluids.

The Importance of Brake Fluid

The importance of brake fluid cannot be overstated. Without it, your brakes would not work properly, putting you and other drivers on the road at risk. Over time, brake fluid can become contaminated with moisture and debris, which can cause it to lose its effectiveness and potentially lead to brake failure. This is why it’‘s important to have your brake fluid checked regularly and replaced as needed.

Types of Brake Fluid

There are several different types of brake fluid available on the market today. The most common types include DOT 3, DOT 4, DOT 5, and DOT 5.1. Each type has its own unique properties and characteristics that make it suitable for use in specific applications.

DOT 3: This type of brake fluid is typically used in most passenger cars and light-duty trucks. It has a boiling point range between 401-446°F (205-230°C) and is glycol-based.

DOT 4: This type of brake fluid has a higher boiling point than DOT 3 (446-500°F/230-260°C), making it suitable for use in more demanding applications such as racing or heavy-duty vehicles.

DOT 5: This type of brake fluid is silicone-based rather than glycol-based like DOT 3 and DOT 4 fluids. It has a higher boiling point than both (500°F/260°C), but should only be used in systems specifically designed for silicone-based fluids.

DOT 5.1: Similar to DOT 4, this type of brake fluid is glycol-based and has a boiling point range between 500-518°F (260-270°C). It is commonly used in high-performance vehicles.

Brake Fluid Maintenance

Proper maintenance of your vehicle’‘s brake fluid is essential to ensure that your brakes are functioning properly. As mentioned earlier, brake fluid can become contaminated over time, which can cause it to lose its effectiveness and potentially lead to brake failure. This is why it’‘s important to have your brake fluid checked regularly and replaced as needed.

In addition to regular checks and replacements, there are a few other things you can do to help maintain your brake fluid:

Brake Lines

Brake lines are an essential component of a vehicle’‘s braking system. They are responsible for transferring the brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake calipers, which then apply pressure to the brake pads and slow down or stop the wheels. Brake lines come in different materials, lengths, and shapes depending on the type of vehicle and its braking system.

Types of Brake Lines

There are two main types of brake lines: rubber and metal. Rubber brake lines are more common in older vehicles or those with less demanding braking systems. They are flexible and can withstand some degree of movement or vibration without cracking or leaking. However, they tend to deteriorate over time due to exposure to heat, moisture, and chemicals.

On the other hand, metal brake lines are more durable and reliable than rubber ones. They can handle higher pressures and temperatures without expanding or contracting excessively. Metal brake lines also have a longer lifespan than rubber ones because they do not degrade as quickly under harsh conditions.

Materials Used for Brake Lines

Metal brake lines can be made from various materials such as steel, copper-nickel alloy (Cunifer), stainless steel, aluminum alloy, etc. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages depending on factors such as cost, corrosion resistance, flexibility, ease of installation, etc.

For example, steel is a popular choice for OEM (original equipment manufacturer) brake lines because it is relatively cheap and easy to bend into shape. However, steel is prone to rusting if not properly coated or protected from moisture.

Copper-nickel alloy (Cunifer) is another material commonly used for making brake lines because it has excellent corrosion resistance even in harsh environments like saltwater exposure. Cunifer also has good flexibility compared to other metals like steel or stainless steel.

Stainless steel is highly resistant to corrosion but tends to be stiffer than other metals due to its high tensile strength. Stainless steel brake lines are often used in high-performance vehicles or racing cars where braking performance is critical.

Installation and Maintenance of Brake Lines

Proper installation and maintenance of brake lines are crucial for ensuring safe and reliable braking performance. Brake lines should be inspected regularly for signs of wear, damage, or leaks. Any damaged or worn-out brake lines should be replaced immediately to prevent brake failure.

When installing new brake lines, it is important to use the correct type of line for the specific make and model of the vehicle. The length, diameter, and shape of the brake line must also match the original specifications to ensure proper fitment and function.

Brake lines should be properly routed away from heat sources such as exhaust pipes or engine components that can cause them to deteriorate prematurely. They should also be secured with clips or brackets to prevent them from rubbing against other parts or vibrating excessively.

Drum Brakes vs Disc Brakes: What’‘s the Difference?

Design and Function

Drum brakes are a type of braking system that has been around for over a century. They consist of a drum-shaped housing, brake shoes, and other components that work together to slow down or stop a vehicle. When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is sent to the wheel cylinder, which pushes the brake shoes against the inside of the drum. This creates friction and slows down or stops the rotation of the wheel.

On the other hand, disc brakes are a newer technology that have become more popular in recent years. They consist of a rotor (or disc), caliper, brake pads, and other components. When you press on the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid is sent to the caliper, which squeezes two brake pads against either side of the rotor. This creates friction and slows down or stops the rotation of the wheel.

While both types of brakes accomplish essentially the same thing - slowing down or stopping a vehicle - they do so in different ways.

Performance

Disc brakes generally outperform drum brakes in several key areas. First and foremost is their ability to dissipate heat more effectively than drum brakes. Because disc brakes have an exposed rotor that can cool off quickly when not in use, they are less prone to overheating than drum brakes.

Disc brakes also tend to be more responsive than drum brakes because they require less force from your foot to activate them. This means you can stop your vehicle more quickly with disc brakes than with drum brakes.

Disc brakes tend to last longer than drum brakes because they don’‘t wear out as quickly. The design of disc brakes allows for even wear across both sides of each pad, whereas with drum brakes there is often uneven wear due to factors such as water buildup inside the drums.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance requirements, both types of braking systems require periodic inspections and adjustments to ensure they are functioning properly. However, drum brakes tend to be more complex than disc brakes, which can make them more difficult and time-consuming to service.

For example, adjusting the brake shoes on a drum brake system requires removing the wheel and drum, whereas adjusting the pads on a disc brake system can often be done without removing anything. Replacing worn-out parts on a drum brake system can be more expensive than on a disc brake system due to their complexity.

The Role of Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)

Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS): What You Need to Know

How do Anti-lock brakes work?

Anti-lock brakes, or ABS, are a safety feature that helps you maintain control of your vehicle when you brake hard. When you slam on the brakes in an emergency situation, the wheels can lock up and cause your car to skid. ABS prevents this by modulating the pressure on each wheel’‘s brake caliper.

When you hit the brakes, sensors on each wheel detect if it is about to lock up. If it is, the ABS system reduces the pressure on that wheel’‘s brake caliper just enough to prevent it from locking up while still allowing you to slow down. This process happens many times per second until you come to a stop.

Why are Anti-lock brakes important?

Anti-lock brakes are important because they help prevent accidents caused by skidding and loss of control during hard braking situations. They also reduce stopping distances on slippery surfaces like wet roads or ice.

According to a study by NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), vehicles equipped with ABS have a 35% lower rate of fatal crashes than those without ABS. Another study found that ABS reduced stopping distances by up to 20% on wet roads and up to 45% on icy roads.

What are some common misconceptions about Anti-lock brakes?

One common misconception about anti-lock brakes is that they will always prevent your car from skidding or sliding in an emergency situation. While they do significantly reduce the likelihood of this happening, there are still factors such as road conditions and tire quality that can affect how well your car stops.

Another misconception is that anti-lock brakes allow you to stop faster than non-ABS systems. While ABS can reduce stopping distances in certain situations, it does not necessarily mean that your car will stop faster overall.

How do I know if my car has Anti-lock brakes?

Most modern cars come equipped with anti-lock brakes as standard, but if you’‘re not sure whether your car has ABS or not, there are a few ways to find out. One way is to check your owner’‘s manual or contact the manufacturer directly.

Another way is to look for the ABS warning light on your dashboard when you start your car. If the light comes on and stays on while you’‘re driving, it could indicate a problem with your ABS system that needs to be addressed.

Everything You Need to Know About Brake Parts

In conclusion, brake parts are essential components of any vehicle that ensure the safety of drivers and passengers. With a basic understanding of brake pads, rotors, calipers, fluid, lines, drum brakes versus disc brakes, and anti-lock brakes (ABS), drivers can make informed decisions about their vehicles’‘ maintenance and repair needs.

From the early days of wooden blocks to today’‘s advanced ceramic materials, brake development has come a long way. While some may prefer drum brakes for their simplicity and durability in certain applications, disc brakes offer superior stopping power and heat dissipation. Brake calipers play a crucial role in applying pressure to the pads or shoes against the rotor or drum surface. Brake fluid serves as a hydraulic medium to transfer force from the pedal to the caliper or wheel cylinder.

Regular inspection and replacement of worn-out brake components can prevent costly repairs down the road and ensure optimal performance. Drivers should also be aware of warning signs such as squeaking or grinding noises, vibrations, pulling to one side when braking, or a soft pedal feel.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) use sensors and electronic control units (ECUs) to modulate brake pressure during hard stops on slippery surfaces. ABS can help prevent skidding and loss of control while maintaining steering ability.

Whether you are a professional mechanic or an everyday driver, understanding brake parts is crucial for safe operation on the road. By following proper maintenance procedures and seeking expert advice when needed, you can keep your vehicle’‘s braking system in top shape for years to come.